Our first session is our time to get to know each other and lay the foundation for our work together. We will start our work with a complete intake assessment, where I will invite you to discuss various areas of your life that may have been affected by mental health challenges and symptoms. We will explore your hopes, values, and needs while creating meaningful goals related to mental wellness. I aim to support you feeling more connected and in-control of your life!

I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and authentic therapeutic alliance with clients. In sessions we will create a sacred and healing space for you to bring and express all of you. In this space, I will be empathic, empowering, and genuine. Though the nature of the therapy relationship is professional, it is also human—at times I may share stories from my personal journey and experience but the focus remains on you and your healing.

I integrate brain- and body-based techniques to employ a holistic approach. I incorporate elements of mindfulness and meditation, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic therapy, expressive arts and activities, and neuroscience-informed techniques. Our work will honor, explore, and support meaningful mind-body connection. I am currently a practitioner-in-training with Somatic Experiencing International’s three-year Somatic Experiencing Practitioner program. This gentle approach honors your body’s pace for healing and invites the opportunity to build a connected and meaningful mind-body relationship.

During our sessions, you may be invited to participate in creative modes of expression—including through art or music. I strive to attend trainings and workshops regularly to expand my knowledge and to best serve those I work with. Individuals participating in expressive arts therapy from a virtual location will be offered a basic art supplies kit including some basic tools/handouts/supplies. It is encouraged this kit is accessible for all virtual sessions.

For chronic illness coaching, our first appointment will be similar in that we will complete an assessment and create goals that are meaningful, realistic, and also a bit challenging to make our time together most effective! Coaching is different in that we will not be focusing on mental health symptoms and you will not complete a diagnostic assessment.